Revathy: Don’t let characters stay in my head for long

Aye Zindagi still

So powerful is her craft that she elevates a movie merely by being in it. Her latest release Aye Zindagi has received mixed reviews, but one thing is unanimous - Revathy is the force that drives the film. The senior actor plays a grief counsellor in Anirban Bose's directorial venture that highlights the need for organ donation by telling the story of a software engineer who suffers from liver cirrhosis and is in need of a transplant.

The role, she says, connected with her immediately. "I used to volunteer with an organisation in Chennai where I had interacted with families and grief counsellors. So, the part was relatable to me. [Grief counselling] is a tough job," explains Revathy. Playing such a role can't be easy. If she makes her performances look effortless on screen, she attributes it to the years of experience behind her. "Over the years, I don't let my characters stay in my head for too long. That said, there are certain scenes that pull you in without your knowledge."

Also Read: Kajol and Revathy's ‘Salaam Venky' gets a release date on the auspicious occasion Navratri

In the past four decades, her movies have spanned different languages and genres. What has remained consistent is her pursuit for strong roles that have an impact on the narrative. "I have been blessed that I got fabulous roles from the beginning of my career. Nowadays, [novel] scripts are being written because there is a market for them. Even in the '80s, [the market encouraged parallel] cinema. That's when Shabana [Azmi], Naseeruddin [Shah], Om Puri and Amrish Puri broke through. I have enjoyed being in a position where I could choose my roles." Up next, Revathy has Salaam Venky, which sees her direct a feature film after 18 years since Phir Milenge (2004). "I have been slow as a director, but I have no complaints. Suddenly, I can feel the wind beneath my wings," she smiles.